Research Fellow in Quantum Sensing Modelling

Salary: As this vacancy has limited funding the maximum salary that can be offered is Grade 7, salary £41,671.

Contract Type: Fixed Term contract up to April 2026

Background

Applications are invited for a Research Fellow in modelling of quantum sensors. The role will involve developing a model for a quantum inertial sensor and integrating it with an inertial navigation system. The Research Fellow will be based in the Microwave Integrated Systems Lab (MISL) at the University of Birmingham and work as part of a multidisciplinary team that include researchers from University of Birmingham’s Quantum Technology Hub, and an industrial partner.

Without an external aiding source, traditional inertial navigation systems suffer from navigational drift due to errors (bias and noise) in their inertial sensors. Recent developments in quantum technology however offer the potential for very accurate, bias free, quantum inertial sensors and thus improved long-term navigational performance. This project seeks to model and characterise these new quantum inertial sensors in terms of their uncertainty and how this uncertainty impacts navigational performance. This sensor model will then be integrated into an existing inertial navigation system via sensor fusion.

The successful application will have a fantastic opportunity working alongside two world leading groups at the University of Birmingham: MISL and Cold Atom Interferometry Group. MISL is the largest academic research team in the UK working in radar, remote sensing and signal processing. MISL is a unique collaborative environment delivering world-class cutting-edge research in the areas of radar (quantum enabled, synthetic aperture, forward scatter), sensors for situational awareness for autonomous platforms, and signal processing for statistical sensor fusion.

Role Summary

• You will contribute to the development of a model for a quantum sensor, and its fusion and integration with existing inertial sensors
• You will investigate the performance of the above model and sensor fusion algorithm when considering different sensor parameters and configurations
• Work within specified research grants and projects
• Operate within area of specialism
• Analyse and interpret research findings and results 

Main Duties

• To develop, implement and evaluate a quantum sensor model and integrate it with an existing inertial navigation system
• To engage with project partners regarding the design and integration of the software implementation into an existing framework
• To contribute to the dissemination of the project outcomes through reports to stakeholders and publications of research findings

Person Specification

• PhD (or close to completion) in electronic engineering, physics or related field
• The ideal candidate will have experience in modelling and developing quantum inertial sensors
• Ability to programme in Matlab is desirable
• Experience working with sensor fusion algorithms is desirable. 
• High level analytical capability
• Ability to communicate complex information clearly
• Contribute to the planning and organising of the research programme and/or specific research project
• Co-ordinate own work with others to avoid conflict or duplication of effort

Informal enquiries can be made to Dr Christopher Gilliam, email: c.gilliam.1@bham.ac.uk 

To download the full job description and details of this position and submit an electronic application online please click on the 'Apply' button above.

Valuing excellence, sustaining investment
We value diversity and inclusion at the University of Birmingham and welcome applications from all sections of the community and are open to discussions around all forms of flexible working.

Closes: 14/04/2025

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